Arletta heard the note of sarcasm in his voice that seemed to cut like the sharp edge of a knife or as if he was mentally whipping her for her behaviour.
“Even the English, monsieur,” she replied, “can use their imaginations. I find your Château incredibly beautiful and at the same time very exciting.”
“You are not frightened by it or by its inhabitants?” the Duc then enquired.
“To the first part of your question, monsieur, the answer is ‘no’. To the second I am not yet sure.”
Arletta had the idea that at her reply the corners of the Duc’s hard mouth twitched a little, as if he was faintly amused.
Then he said,
“Lady Langley, mademoiselle, gave you a most fulsome reference as regards both your character and your behaviour. Do you think that is consistent with the way I found you beha
